Wax warmer



Feb. 28, 1950 TOLE 2,499,337

WAX WARMER Filed May 12, 1947 INVENTOR. v

JOHN TOLE ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 28, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

The invention relates to means for warming wax to render the same plastic and in condition for molding. It is the object of the invention to obtain a construction which can be conveniently used by dentists and which will not only warm the wax but will also hold the same in proper plastic condition. To this end the invention -con sists in the construction as hereinafter set forth.

In the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my improved wax warmer;

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof; and

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3-4, Fig. 1.

Wax used for taking dental impressions and for similar purposes is rendered plastic when at a temperature somewhat higher than that of the mouth of the patient, but low enough not to cause discomfort. One method used by dentists is to hold a stick of wax over a fiame for a brief interval and then to manipulate it into proper plastic condition. My invention is designed to render this operation unnecessary and to maintain a supply of plastic wax in condition for use accessible to the dentist. Generally described, my improved wax warmer comprises a body formed preferably of a metal having a relatively high specific heat characteristic. This body has a central pocket therein for receiving the wax and a surrounding portion of sufiicient mass to retain the heat. There is also a handle connection for lifting the body to hold the same over a gas jet, or other heating means, to Warm the wax after which it may be placed in a convenient position on a. table.

V A is a body of circular, substantially cylindrical form provided with a central pocket B having a surrounding annular heat retaining portion 0. This body is preferably formed of aluminum, magnesium or other material having a relatively high specific heat characteristic. The bottom of the body has projecting therefrom a plurality of rounded projections D which form supporting feet having relatively slight heat conducting contact with the table. E is a bail which embraces the body A and has inturned ends E for engaging diametrically opposite sockets in the body. These are arranged above the center of gravity so that the body supported by the bail wil1 remain in a horizontal position and the bail, which is formed of wire has at its upper end a central lateral extension E shown as formed by twist ng the wire. This engages a suitable handle F which extends outward beyond the body. Between the bail proper and the twisted portion of the wires there is formed a notch C 7 In use the dentist places a suitable quantityof wax in the pocket B and then taking hold of the handle F holds the body A over a gas flame or other heating means. When the wax is sufiicient- 1y softened the body may be placed on a table, the handle dropping down as indicated in dotted lines so that the bail clears the pocket. Thus the wax in plastic condition is conveniently accessible and will be maintained in such plastic condition for a considerable period of time. The bail of the handle, when in the position indicated in dotted lines Fig. 1, will also form a support or rest for a brush or other instrument used for applying the melted wax which may be engaged with the notch E The construction is designed to expose a minimum of Surface for a given mass in the body. Also the cavity which holds the melted wax is of a size which permits the insertion of a finger with a wiping cloth for cleaning.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A wax warmer comprising a body formed of a metal having a relatively high specific heat characteristic, said body having a relatively small central pocket for receiving the wax and a relatively thick surrounding annular portion for heat storage, a bail embracing said body and pivotally engaging the same at diametrically opposite points which are above the center of gravit and a handle extending laterally from the upper end of said bail said handle when its outer portion is resting upon a table on which the body is placed holding said bail in a position above said pocket where it will form a rest or support for a brush or other instrument used in applying the wax.

2. A wax warmer comprising a body formed of a metal having a relatively high specific heat characteristic, said body having a central pocket of relatively small volume for receiving the wax and a surrounding annular portion of much greater volume for heat storage, a notched bail embracing said body and pivotally engaging the same at diametrically opposite points which are above the center of gravity andra handle extending laterally from the upper end of said bail, said handle when resting upon a table upon which the body is placed holding said bail in a position above said pocket where the notched portion will form a rest or support for a brush or other instrument used in applying the wax.

JOHN TOLE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 130,601 Thayer Aug. 20, 1872 1,469,645 Kobbe Oct. 2, 1923 1,745,455 Seaborn Feb. 4, 1930 1,828,520 Bruce Oct. 20, 1931 2,351,594 Blacke et a1 June 20, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 591,227 Germany ""0"--- Jan. 18. 193% 

